Device for lifting bed patients



Dec. 21, 1965 H. A. ANDERSON E L 3,224,016

DEVICE FOR LIFTING BED PATIENTS Filed Aug. 51, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS HOWARD A. ANDERSON F/g. R D W. HERRING Dec. 21, 1965 H, A.ANDERSON E 3,224,016

DEVICE FOR LIFTING BED PATIENTS Filed Aug. 51, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTORS: HOWARD A. ANDE RSON I0 32 RICHARD W. HERRING liq-l BYAffornez Dec. 21, 1965 H. A. ANDERSON E 3,224,016

DEVICE FOR LIFTING BED PATIENTS Filed Aug. 31, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5INVENTORS: HOWARD A. ANDERSON ECHARD W. HE RRING fig /Z. 5.

' W Afforne United States Patent t 3,2215%6 Patented Dec. 21, I9553,224,016 DEVICE FOR LIF'IING BED PATIENTS Howard A. Anderson, 2278Meadow Road, Pittsburgh 37, Pa, and Richard W. Herring, 1447 Wilson SW.,Grand Rapids, Mich.

Filed Aug. 31, 1962, Ser. No. 221,007 4 Claims. (Cl. 5327) Thisinvention provides an appliance intended to reduce the effort involvedin administering to the needs of persons confined to bed. The familiarbedpan, necessary as it is, is often a discomfort to the patient and aburden to attending personnel. A nurse cannot be expected to lift anincapacitated two hundred and fifty pound person enough to administer abedpan, and it has become common practice to employ male orderlies ofstrong physique to assist the nurses in this work. Where the services ofan orderly are not available, necessity has forced nurses to deviseingenious techniques for rolling patients on and off bedpans. Theseprocedures, however, cannot be used on all patients. At best,considerable skill and strength is required. Reaching out over a bed tohandle the weight of a patient is the poorest lifting positionimaginable, and back trouble is practically an occupational hazard ofnursing.

This invention provides a device that simplifies the lifting of thepatient to such a degree that the problem no longer represents a feat ofskill and strength. In addition to this, the patient is supported insuch a manner that his comfort is vastly greater than has beencustomary. It is significant that the lifting device is itself supportedon the bedding adjacent the patient so that the downward deflection ofthe bedding as the lifting force is applied supplements the actuallifting to produce the necessary clearance for the insertion of thebedpan. The patient remains supported by the device during the use ofthe bedpan, and the removal of it is as simple as the insertion.

The several features of the invention will be analyzed in detail througha discussion of the particular embodiments illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 presents a perspective view of one modification of theinvention in the elevated position.

FIGURE 2 presents a side elevation of the same device shown in FIGURE 1,in the initial position.

FIGURE 3 presents a fragmentary sectional elevation of the device shownin FIGURES 1 and 2, showing the position of the bedpan is dottted lines,with the device in the elevated position.

FIGURE 4 presents a side elevation, partially in section, of a modifiedform of the invention.

FIGURES 5, 6, and 7 show successive steps in the insertion and operationof the device shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view showing a modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a further modification of theinvention, shown in the elevated position.

FIGURE 10 shows the initial position of the device shown in FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of a further modification of theinvention.

FIGURE 12 is a side elevation of the device shown in FIGURE 11, in anintermediate position.

FIGURE 13 illustrates a further modification of the invention.

The device illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 includes a base111 preferably in the form of a sheet metal panel having the sideflanges 11 and 12, and the front flange 13. The rounded surface providedby the presence of the side flanges 11 and 12 facilitates the lateralinsertion of the device under the patient, as it' tends to minimize thetendency to engage folds in the bedclothes. The frontal flange 13 addsconsiderably to the strength of the base 10, but the rear edge 14 isleft unflanged to minimize the height in this area and thus facilitatethe insertion of the device under the patient in the position shown inFIGURE 5.

The base 19 is provided with a group of four brackets 1548 which formpivot connections for the lifting mechanism. The seat 19 has a centralopening 20 in the general pattern of a conventional toilet seat, and isprovided with side brackets 21 and 22 which engage the fulcrum pins 23and 24 providing pivotal connections for the rear links 25-26 and theupper toggle links 27- 23. In the elevated position shown in FIGURES l,3, and 7, the seat 19 is pivotally supported upon the axis of the pins2223.

The lower toggle links 29-39 are mounted on a common shaft 31, and arefixed with respect thereto. The handle lever 32 is also fixed withrespect to the shaft 31, and rotation of the handle lever 32 from theposition shown in FIGURE 2 to that of FIGURE 1 produces the movement ofthe device from the initial to the elevated position. The naturalcharacteristics of the toggles formed by the links 27 and 29, and 28 and30, result in a very large mechanical advantage as the connecting pivots33 move across the line of centers between the fulcrums 23 and 24 andthe shaft 31. This condition corresponds to the point where the maximumlifting force is necessary as the patient is elevated and the bedclothing depressed into the position shown in FIGURE 7. The position ofthe handle 32 is such that downward forces are applied at this pointrather than lifting, and the efforts of the nurse at the bedside aremost easily applied in this manner. The device is also self-locking inthis position, as the pivot points 33 will always have a tendency tomove away from the on center" position. The final supported positionshown in FIGURE 7 may be determined either by auxiliary stops (notshown), or the handle 32 may be permitted to rest in a horizontalposition against the base It). In either case, the final position mustprovide sufficient clearance to permit the insertion of the bedpanindicated at 34 in FIGURES 3 and 7. Substantial clearance above thebedpan should also be provided, as indicated at 35, to accommodate adegree of rocking freedom of the seat 19 about the fulcrum pivots 2 2-23so that the seat may adjust itself to the natural position of thepatient. The device should be constructed of components made ofaluminum, magnesium, or some other light and relatively non-allergenicmaterial.

It is often desirable to incorporate a covering layer on the undersideof the base 11) as indicated at 37 in FIG URE 3 to increase thefrictional reaction with bedclothing. The movement of the device fromthe FIGURE 2 to the FIGURE 1 position involves a considerable horizontaldisplacement of the seat 19 with respect to the base Iii, and the reasonfor this is evident from an examination of FIGURES 5, 6, and 7. Unlessthe patient is very severely incapacitated, the conventional hospitalbed 36 is preferably elevated to the FIGURE 5 position as the first stepin administering the bedpan. The patients knees are then lifted slightlyas shown, and the device inserted by placing it under the patients legsand shoving it gently under the patient as far as it will go. The handle32 is then actuated, resulting in a movement of the patient upward andto the right, as shown in the drawings, accompanied by some degree ofdeflection of the bedding under him. In this type of operation, there isconsiderable lateral force applied to the device by the weight of thepatient tending to move it to the left, as shown in the drawings, andthe presence of the friction layer 37 will tend to maintain the relativeposition of the device on the bedding. Complettion of the movement ofthe handle 32 over to the position shown in FIGURE 7 will permit theinsertion of the bedpan 34. The pivotal mounting of the seat 13 withrespect to the bedding will permit the patient to supplement the liftingeffect of the mechanism by a slight straightening of his legs from theFIGURE 6 to the FIGURE 7 position. Ie will also be able to place himselfin the position of maximum comfort. The particular position of theelevated end of the bed 36 is not critical in the operation of thedevice, and the unit will function equally well if the patient is in thefully reclined position. In the latter case, the patients knees arepreferably lifted to about the height shown in FIGURE 5. The device maythen be actuated, and the pivotal mounting of the seat 19 would permitthe patients body to assume an arcuate position that will produce aminimum of disturbance.

The modification of the device shown in FIGURE 4 includes a base 38 anda seat 39 that are similar to the corresponding components shown inFIGURE 1. Similar support linkage generally indicated at 40 is alsoused. The actuation of the linkage 40 is accomplished by the rotation ofthe screw-threaded rod 41 by the crank 42 through the flexible shaft 43.The nut 44 is connected to a pivot pin corresponding to the togglepivots 33 of FIGURE 1, and the rod 41 is rotatable (but axially fixed)with respect to the terminal 45. This terminal is rotatably mounted onthe bracket 46 of the base 38, preferably on the same pin that providesa pivot connection for the linkage. A common shaft 47 corresponds to theshaft 31 of FIGURE 1, and associates the linkage 40 with its oppositecomponent so that rotation of the crank 42 will actuate the toggles fromthe initial to the elevated position. This arrangement will have theadvantage of minimizing the interference with the bedclothing, as theflexible shaft may be led out to a position where full clearance isavailable.

The device shown in FIGURE 8 includes a base 48 having the frontpedestals 49 and St). The seat 51 is pivotally mounted on thesepedestals at the forward portion of the seat as shown, and the shaft 52is preferably rotatably mounted on the base 50. The position of the axisof rotation of the shaft 52 is fixed with respect to the base, and thehandle lever 53 is rotatably mounted on the offset end 54 of the shaft.A similar offset is provided at the opposite end of the shaft 52, andboth of these otfsets bear on the underside of the seat 51, and moveacross it to some degree during the elevating operation. of the handlelever 53 in a direction toward the front of the device, which results inthe engagement of the cam surface 55 of the handle lever with the top ofthe base 48, thus swinging the offset ends 54 upwardly against theunderside of the seat 51. In the elevated position shown in FIGURE 8,the bedpan may be placed in the central portion 56 of the base 48.

The device shown in FIGURES 9 and involves a parallelogram-type linkageconnecting the seat 57 with the base 58. The frontal links 59 and 66 arepivotally connected respectively to the seat and base, and the rearportion of the seat is pivotally connected to the back 61, the latterbeing hinged to the base as shown at 62. This arrangement has anadvantage in cases where the patient may be rolled on his side in afully reclined position sufficiently for the device to be placed underhim. If this can ht done, the conventional hospital bed may be raised tothe position shown in FIGURES 5, 6, and 7, which will automaticallyresult in the actuation of the lifting device from the FIGURE 10 to theFIGURE 9 position.

The device shown in FIGURES 11 and 12 includes a base formed by thetubing 63, with the end-pieces 64 and 65 preferably added to functionnot only as handles but as enlarged areas to prevent punching holes inthe bed- The elevation is accomplished by the rotation ding. The backmember 66 is provided with brackets as shown at 67 engaging the verticalposts 68 and 69 of the base to provide a pivotal mounting for rotationon a lateral axis. If the patient can sit up without support, the devicemay be placed against him with the back member bearing against the smallof his back. If he then leans back, he will move the device through theintermediate position shown in FIGURE 12 to a position in which the backportion 66 is generally horizontal, resulting in supporting his body ata sutlicient height above the bedding to permit the insertion of thebedpan. The position of the axis of rotation of the back 66 should beunder the central area of his back, and the base 63 should extend farenough on both sides of the posts 68 and 69 to prevent any tendency forthe device to tip over. The presence of the arm 70 and 71 on oppositesides of the back 66 provides leverage for the patient to manipulate thedevice, and also assures the confinement of the patient on the unit inthe elevated position.

The device shown in FIGURE 13 includes a base 72 on which the shaft 73is rotatably mounted in any convenient manner. For utmost simplicity,the base 72 may merely have a slight recess as shown at 74 for locatingthe shaft to provide for removal of the base. The shaft 73 has thevertical extensions 75 and 76, the latter terminating in an actuatinghandle 77. The horizontal fulcrum rod 78 is rotatable with respect tothe seat in conventional bearing fittings (not shown), and secured tothe vertical extensions 75 and 76, resulting in a pivotal mounting ofthe seat 79. The device shown in FIGURE 13 may be actuated enough topermit the insertion of a bedpan, and then lowered so that the seat 79is supported on the pan rather than on the device. The simplicity of theactuating system permits movement of the lever from either direction,although the mechanical advantage of this type of actuation is limited.

The particular embodiments of the present invention which have beenillustrated and discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only andare not to be considered as a limitation upon the scope of the appendedclaims. In these claims, it is our intent to claim the entire inventiondisclosed herein, except as we are limited by the prior art.

We claim:

1. A device for elevating a bed patient, said device comprising:

a base;

a seat provided with a central opening, said seat being movable withrespect to said base; and

elevating means for raising said seat from a position adjacent said baseand freely pivotally supporting the same on a lateral axis, and forsimultaneously rearwardly displacing said seat with respect to saidbase, said elevating means including links on opposite sides of saidseat member pivvotally connected to said seat and said base,respectively, toggle means on opposite sides of said seat and connectinglinks and said base, and actuating means for positioning said togglemeans,

said actuating means including a shaft connecting corresponding membersof said opposite toggle means, and a handle for positioning said shaft.2. A device for elevating a bed patient, said device comprising:

toggle means on opposite sides of said seat and connecting said linksand said base, and actuating means for positioning said toggle means. 3.A device for elevating a bed patient, said device comprising:

a base; a seat provided with a central opening, said seat being movablewith respect to said base; and elevating means for raising said seatfrom a position adjacent said base and pivotally supporting said seatadjacent an intermediate portion thereof for freedom to rock about asingle lateral axis and for simultaneously rearwardly displacing saidseat with respect to said base. 4. A device for elevating a bed patient,said device comprising: a base; a seat provided with a central opening,said seat being movable with respect to said base; and

elevating means for raising said seat from a position adjacent said baseand pivotally supporting said seat adjacent an intermediate portionthereof for freedom to rock about a single lateral axis.

References UNITED FRANK B. SHERRY,

Cited by the Examiner STATES PATENTS Johnson 5327 Day 5-327 Cleeley 5327Knox et al. S-81 Sanders 5-81 Wamsley 581 Behrens 5-327 PrimaryExaminer.

1. A DEVICE FOR ELEVATING A BED PATIENT, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING: A BASE;A SEAT PROVIDED WITH A CENTRAL OPENING, SAID SEAT BEING MOVABLE WITHRESPECT TO SAID BASE; AND ELEVATING MEANS FOR RAISING SAID SEAT FROM APOSITION ADJACENT SAID BASE AND FREELY PIVOTALLY SUPPORTING THE SAME ONA LATERAL AXIS, ANMD FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY REARWARDLY DISPLACING SAID SEATWITH RESPECT TO SAID BASE, SAID ELEVATING MEANS INCLUDING LINKS ONOPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID SEAT MEMBER PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID SEAT ANDSAID BASE, RESPECTIVELY, TOGGLE MEANS ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID SEAT ANDCONNECTING LINKS AND SAID BASE, AND ACTUATING MEANS FOR POSITIONING SAIDTOGGLE MEANS, SAID ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING A SHAFT CONNECTINGCORRESPONDING MEMBERS OF SAID OPPOSITE TOGGLE MEANS, AND A HANDLE FORPOSITIONING SAID SHAFT.